Home » Poems » Dan Helppi » Veterans Day, My Dad Served

Veterans Day, My Dad Served

Note not sent To My Dad on Veteran’s Day: A letter you wrote , I found in Old Uncle Laurie’s house. You were young, Seventeen You wrote of things to come War And fear And your new car. Nam ate your soul Mangled You Stupid war, Johnson’s shout at glory. Our beautiful hero died too young The damn war never would’ve come If Their machine hadn’t killed him. You heeded Johnson’s summon Answered their call Over the Sea Voodoos and Jesus nuts Medic up, man down Punjis and pissed pants Wet and rotting stench You came home. But did you come back?

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Arthur Vaso

Date: 11/15/2014 11:09:00 PM

What a great write. I will always honor those who have given their all so that we may be free. War is terrible, however freedom has a steep price, so that even those who are wrong, are free to express their views without fear, something to think about!

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/17/2014 4:44:00 PM

Thanks Arthur.

Jack Ellison

Date: 11/12/2014 8:55:00 PM

When will the world ever learn??? Not in my lifetime! Great write Dan... wars are hell that accomplish absolutely zero!!

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/13/2014 8:01:00 PM

Exactly right Jack, it reminds me of when my boys fight over the dumbest things, you'd think the world would've grown up by now!

Ben Burton

Date: 11/12/2014 9:36:00 AM

Very poignant, Dan. Nice writing!

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/12/2014 11:50:00 AM

Thanks Ben.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 11/12/2014 8:01:00 AM

Any war is a disaster! Destroys people and countries plus the souls of all involved. NO VICTORS ARE THERE! It's only the shame of humanity! A great poem, dear Dan! It is glorious to remember those who for their country and family fought!

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/12/2014 11:49:00 AM

Thanks for the kind comments Demetrios.

Sandip Goswami

Date: 11/12/2014 3:37:00 AM

A soldier knows what is the war...A poet understands the pains of the soldiers....Very nice thoughts...Thanks dear...Best wishes from India...

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/12/2014 11:48:00 AM

Thanks, Sandip.

Wayne Riley

Date: 11/11/2014 5:24:00 PM

God Bless....

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 8:03:00 PM

Thank you Wayne.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/11/2014 4:04:00 PM

wow, this is POWERFUL stuff, and I share your sentiments on that STUPID war that damn Nixon too carried on into the 70's.Bless our poor dear veterans fighting for the stupidities of the world's leaders.

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 4:53:00 PM

Hi Andrea, If you haven't seen "Fog of War" with Robert McNamara, it is a tremendous film well worth tracking down. And yes, our veterans are truly heroes no matter the "leadership."

Brenda Meier-Hans

Date: 11/11/2014 1:06:00 PM

Thanks for sharing this Dan. Thanks for stopping by Brenda.

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 4:47:00 PM

Always a pleasure Brenda.

Darlene Gifford

Date: 11/11/2014 10:46:00 AM

Dan, thanks for this poem about your dad. I feel your emotions well expressed. I pray your dad is recovering as best as he is able. Your love comes through! Thanks for reading "My Little Soldier Boy" poem. We share a grief!

Darlene Gifford
Date: 11/11/2014 5:22:00 PM

"I love Him Big" that sounds like a poem to me, Tim

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 4:46:00 PM

Darlene, thanks for your kind words, and yes my Father is much better now than when I was growing up. It is a hard thing when you do not know how to help, one year I sent flowers anonymously thanking him for his service, it seems so small, but I Love him big and I know he knows I Love him Big. So that is something.

Robert Stoner Jr

Date: 11/11/2014 10:24:00 AM

He said it well and truthfully, Hope he is living well now with and without the war.

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 4:36:00 PM

Robert, I see I wasn't clear, my Dad's letter was written before he went to Nam, written to his Uncle Laurie, a letter I found when an adult, in his letter he seemed so different, free, not scarred. The poem is a letter I wrote but do not intend to send to him. I have a desire to help him, but do not know how, Love him I do and he knows, but it would be nice to ease his burden.

David Meade

Date: 11/11/2014 10:19:00 AM

The ravenous of war take a toll on the soul for individuals, the families, the society . . . thank-you for sharing this story -- it's important to keep remembering.

Dan Helppi
Date: 11/11/2014 4:30:00 PM

Yes David, the ravages of war are visited on the children of returning service-members also, in the form of mental illness in their parents. I appreciate you reading my poem.